It depends on what you find as to how you will alter it! Garage sales, estate sales and "Goodwill Stores" are my favorite places to shop for unique pieces. Once I get them home I clean them and they go into a holding room (spare bedroom). When the creation pops into my head, I pull the piece and start to work. The piece may be created in 1 hour or it may take days of working on it then setting it aside and working on some more. Go with your gut. If you think it is complete then stop. Use the piece in your home, if it works in your decor, then it will more then likely work in some other decor. If you love it, they will love it too! Alter it!